More than five tons of illegal fireworks seized from Pico Rivera business; two suspects arrested

El Monte police investigators seized about five tons if illegal fireworks from a warehouse in the 4700 block of Citrus Drive in Pico Rivera on Thursday, June 19, 2014.
(Courtesy of the El Monte Police Department)

Investigators seized well over five tons of illegal fireworks Thursday from a Pico Rivera neighborhood, authorities said.

Firefighters were first summoned about 12:50 p.m. to keep watch over the potentially explosive contraband, which was found in the 4700 block of Citrus Drive, Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector Keith Mora said.

The fireworks were found at a business called Thomas Brothers Tube Bending, according to Lt. Christopher Williams of the El Monte Police Department, which spearheaded the investigation.

“Detectives received information about the illegal fireworks being sold at this location,” Williams said. “Once on scene, detectives discovered illegal fireworks inside a trailer and multiple storage containers.”

Police arrested two men, described as the business owner and an employee, but withheld their names Thursday as the investigation continued, Williams said.

The estimate of the amount of fireworks at the business continued to grow through the afternoon, as police and firefighters filled three trucks with fireworks, and began working on a fourth.

“We’re approaching five tons,” Williams said.

Police began their investigation in May, he added.

“Our concern is this, the operation was going on so long, and brazen,” Williams said.

Prospective illegal fireworks buyers stopped by the business as police continued working there.

“Detectives who are on scene are being approached by customers attempting to buy the illegal fireworks, while we are dismantling the operation,” he said.